Chapter Four
“Take this and spend the day doing nothing, Lila,” Ross said, sliding four five-dollar gold pieces across the table to her. “You’ve more than earned a day off. Wander around town, buy yourself a new hat, or just sit in the sunshine and read today.”
Delilah and her father were alone in Hattie and Edwin’s dining room, lingering over cups of perfectly brewed tea after partaking of a generous, delicious breakfast. They’d been in town five days and Delilah had spent every one of them at the house, cleaning. She’d given the floors a coat of wax the previous evening, right after she’d finished polishing the windows until they gleamed.
The meteorologist’s house had gone from a filthy wreck to an immaculately clean abode. Surprisingly, they only had to paint one room and replace a portion of wallpaper in the front bedroom. A few loose hinges and one broken window were simple enough to repair. With the sparse furniture left at the house, they could move in Monday, giving the smell of paint and floor wax plenty of time to fade.
Her hands were red and sore from all the work of cleaning and scrubbing, but she’d enjoyed the physical labor after spending a week on the train west.
Although she didn’t like to idly squander her days, she had wanted to explore Baker City and visit several shops.
“Go on, honey. Take the money and enjoy yourself.” Ross took a long drink of his tea then leaned back in his chair. “Perhaps you’d like to visit Mrs. MacGregor’s dress shop or stop in at Mr. Miller’s Mercantile. Both are excellent places to shop. In fact, I met Mr. MacGregor yesterday when I stopped to purchase lumber to finish the repairs at the weather station. He invited us to join him and his wife for dinner next Monday.”
“Oh, that’s lovely, Papa. I’ll look forward to seeing their home. It’s that beautiful place located behind the lumberyard isn’t it?”
Ross nodded his head. “Yes, that’s correct.” He grinned at her. “If I know you at all, my darling daughter, what you’re interested in seeing isn’t the house as much as the flowers and gardens. You’ve no doubt heard it’s the prettiest place in town, next to Hattie and Edwin’s lovely yard.”
Delilah’s eyes snapped with amusement. “You would not be entirely wrong in your assessment, Papa.”
He chuckled and then finished his tea. After setting the cup back on the saucer, he rose to his feet then bent down and kissed her on top of the head. “I mean it, Lila. Give yourself a lazy day. I’m sure by tomorrow you’ll have some other project you want to tackle at the house.”
“The whole fence needs to either be repaired or replaced before I can begin working on that atrocious yard. And we must get the ground ready for planting. It appears we’ll have an early spring and I don’t want to miss the opportunity to get a head start on my flowers.”
Ross walked over to the dining room doorway then turned to look back at her. “As soon as I finish the repairs at the weather station, I’ll see about the fence. If all goes well, I should have things in ship-shape order by tomorrow at the latest.”
“Mr. Sutler’s blatant disregard of proper care of both the house and the weather station equipment is deplorable. With the huge hole in the weather station wall, it’s a wonder the equipment wasn’t either stolen or ruined completely.” Delilah didn’t know how she’d hold her tongue if she ever encountered Eugene Sutler. Perhaps it was best he was rumored to have fled the area after supposedly robbing a miner.
“At any rate, it’s a good thing we got here when we did. Even with the challenges we faced upon arriving, I can at least get the weather report sent on time each day.”
“That is nothing short of a miracle considering the derelict state of the instruments at the weather station. I’m so glad the home office has agreed to send updated instruments and equipment. When will it be here?”
“It should arrive by the end of next week, if they got it all loaded on yesterday’s train.” Ross gave her a fatherly look. “Enjoy your day, sweetheart. I’ll see you back here for dinner.”
“Yes, Papa. Have a good day. As you predicted, it’s another beautiful, sunny day.” Delilah smiled as he winked at her and left the room.
In no rush, she took her time finishing her tea then loaded her dishes and her father’s on a tray Hattie had left on a sideboard and carried it to the kitchen.
“Goodness, you didn’t need to bring in the dishes,” Hattie said, taking the tray from her and setting it on the counter near the large sink.
“It was no trouble at all. Thank you for another wonderful meal. If we stay here much longer, I’ll have to let out the seams in my gowns.”
Hattie slipped a hand around Delilah’s narrow waist. “I doubt that, Delilah. You work too hard to let any extra weight settle on you. What do you have planned to do today? Edwin and I should be free to help for a while this morning.”
Delilah settled her arm around Hattie’s shoulders and gave the woman a hug. Although Delilah was taller than average for a woman, she was still far shorter than most men she’d encountered in town. It seemed Baker City had more than its share of powerfully built, rugged, tall men.
“Papa has ordered me to spend a day doing nothing. Since I’m eager to explore the shops here in town, I’ve decided to follow his instructions, this time.”
Hattie grinned as she set dishes into a sink full of hot, soapy water. “That’s wonderful. You should definitely visit Maggie’s dress shop, and the mercantile. Oh, and you might enjoy the Crystal Palace, it has such lovely dishes and things. There’s a store near the newspaper office that sells a variety of household linens. You might find some suitable curtains there, or at least the fabric to create them. If you work up an appetite while you’re shopping, the bakery close to the park makes the best sweet rolls and biscuits… er, cookies.” Hattie grinned at her. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to calling them cookies.”
“Whatever you call them, the sour cream ones you made yesterday were the best I’ve ever had.” Delilah gave Hattie another quick hug. “I’ll clear the rest of the dishes off the table then help you dry.”
“No. I won’t hear of it. You do as your father said and relax today. You’ve been helping in the evenings and I appreciate it, but I assure you it isn’t necessary.”
Delilah picked up the now empty tray and took a step toward the dining room. “You and Edwin have helped us since we arrived, so it’s only fair we help you in return. Isn’t that the neighborly thing to do?”
Hattie looked like she wanted to argue, but instead she grinned and nodded her head. “I suppose it is, dear. If you bring the rest of the breakfast dishes, that would be appreciated, but I’ll see to washing and drying them.”
It only took a few moments for Delilah to carry the remaining dishes into the kitchen then Hattie shooed her up the back stairs, telling her to get on with her day of leisure.
In her room, Delilah changed from the simple calico gown she’d donned earlier into one of her favorite day dresses. Made of cream brocaded silk, the skirt and matching jacket were embroidered with bouquets of lavender, pink, and yellow flowers. A wide lapel turned back and fastened with loops of fabric at the shoulders. A six-inch peplum festooned the back of the jacket while the front dipped into a narrow point at her waist. An airy lavender chiffon shirtwaist provided a perfect complement to the ensemble and looked particularly striking with the hat bedecked with lavender and cream silk roses she fastened on her head.
Delilah tugged on a pair of cream gloves, picked up her reticule and dropped in the coins from her father, then tucked a lacy handkerchief up her sleeve before she gave herself one last glance in the mirror. “That will do quite well,” she muttered then sailed out of her room and down the front stairs.
“Have a wonderful day, Hattie,” she called down the hall before she opened the front door and breezed down the porch steps and across the walk to the sidewalk.
Delilah snapped open a parasol and held it over her head although she would have much preferred to bask in the sunshine. She might have left the parasol behind, but she felt it was important to make a good impression in town today. It was one thing to roll up the sleeves of a worn calico dress and work until her hands were chapped when no one would see her, but it was something else altogether when she wanted to represent the Robbins family in a good light. She’d long ago learned what she did when she was out and about in society reflected back on her father.
The moments when prying eyes watched her every move, she behaved like the epitome of a lady. However, it was when no one was watching that she had the most fun. She’d have to put those days behind her, or at least on hold, until they were settled into the cottage, as she was coming to think of the meteorologist’s house. The design was quite charming in spite of the lack of care it had been given the last few years. By the time, she was finished decorating it and turning it into a home, it would be a lovely haven she and Papa could enjoy at the end of the day.
Although she and her father had agreed to wait at least two weeks before deciding if they’d stay in Baker City, she knew they’d make it their permanent home. Papa fairly danced with excitement each morning, anticipating the work before him. She hadn’t seen him that engaged in his work for years. For that reason alone, she’d give up everything she loved in Washington, D.C. and accept Baker City as their new home.
Delilah made her way to the main street of town and strolled unhurried past several shops. Eventually, she crossed the street and stood outside Maggie MacGregor’s dress shop, admiring the displays in the windows. An exquisite teal gown caught her eye. The fabric featured cream-colored feathers while the lace on the bodice and edging the sleeves was extraordinary.
Determined to at least take a closer look, she snapped her parasol shut, opened the door, and stepped inside the shop. A bell jangled overhead, announcing her arrival.
“Good morning,” a friendly voice called before a beautiful dark-haired woman stepped out of the back into the showroom. “How may I be of service to you today?”
“Good morning,” Delilah said, returning the woman’s smile. “Are you Mrs. MacGregor?”
The woman nodded her head. “I am. You must be new in town. I haven’t seen you before or noticed anyone wearing that lovely gown. Is that a Worth?”
Delilah glanced down at her dress. “It is. My papa gave it to me for my birthday.”
“It’s splendid and features such beautiful colors for spring.” Mrs. MacGregor walked in a circle around Delilah. “One of my friends has a few Worth gowns, and also several created by Madame Beauchamp.”
Delilah’s eyes widened. “She’s impossible to get an appointment with. Your friend must be someone very special.”
The shop owner grinned. “She is special, but not because of the gowns.” The woman’s smile widened. “By chance, would you be Miss Robbins? My husband mentioned meeting your father and inviting you both to supper on Monday.”
“Yes, I’m Miss Robbins, but I hope you’ll call me Delilah.”
“Only if you promise to call me Maggie.” The woman placed a gentle hand on her arm.
“Maggie it is,” Delilah said, liking the affable woman. “I’ve heard you have a lovely home and gardens. I can hardly wait to see them.”
“We look forward to having you and your father visit.” Maggie took a step closer to her. “Is there something I can help you with this morning, though? If you dropped in for a visit, I just made a pot of tea. Would you care for a cup?”
“Oh, no, thank you. I noticed your beautiful window displays the other day when we arrived in town, but today is the first day I’ve had free to explore any of the shops.” Delilah walked closer to the display window and pointed to the teal gown. “I’m in love with that dress. I have quite a fondness for our little feathered friends and the feathers painted on the fabric are so lovely.”
“Then, by all means, you must try it on.” Maggie stepped into the display and began removing the dress from the mannequin.
Delilah let her gaze rove around the shop, taking in Maggie’s amazing designs and quality merchandise. In addition to fine gowns and suits, she also had riding skirts, shirtwaists, and a few simple cotton dresses. One shelf on the far wall held an assortment of hats.
“I admit I’m quite impressed with your selection,” Delilah said, walking over to the row of hats. She was pleased to see not a single one of them had any bird parts. The fashion of adorning a hat or gown with actual parts of a bird was ghastly.
Many women in the social circles back home adored the trend, but Delilah hated it. She’d seen everything from homely gray swallows to beautiful bluebirds mounted on hats. Some designs used plumes or a few long feathers, but others mounted long pieces from the breasts of pigeons or peacocks, or the entire bird. She’d even witnessed birds attached to hats on wires and springs that permitted the head and wings to move in a bird-like manner.
“Is there a milliner in town?” Delilah asked, glancing back at Maggie as she stepped out of the display with the dress over her arm.
“No. We had one, but he left just before Christmas. He said he was tired of the cold and headed for California.” Maggie joined her at the hat display. “Millinery is not my first choice or best talent, but I keep a selection on hand.”
“I’m so pleased to see you don’t subscribe to the current bird trend.”
Maggie’s smile dropped. “I think it’s detestable what some milliners do to those poor birds. A few ostrich plumes remains the extent of what I’m willing to take from birds for a hat.”
“With so many ostrich farms popping up to meet the demands of the fashion-conscious, I’m not quite as adamant about those particular plumes as some of the others.” Delilah fingered a delicate toque adorned with white netting, then turned to Maggie. “You really do have so many lovely things here in your shop. How long have you been the proprietress?”
While Maggie showed her to a fitting room and helped her try on the gown, she shared her story of coming to Baker City as a young bride and joining forces with Thane Jordan and Tully Barrett.
“When my Daniel died, I don’t know what would have happened to me if it hadn’t been for Thane and Tully. They struck gold, gave me a third, and then Thane bought my share of the mine. I opened my store and spent a long time mourning my husband. Last year, Ian decided it was time I noticed he’d been in love with me since he moved to town a few years earlier. He was quite relentless in his pursuit.” Maggie’s gaze seemed far away and a soft smile curved her lips upward. “I’m quite glad he convinced me to start living again instead of just going through the motions.”
“So you and Mr. MacGregor haven’t been married long?” Delilah asked, glancing in the mirror with a critical eye.
“No, we wed in the summer, not long before Tully married Brianna.”
“I look forward to meeting the sheriff and his wife upon their return to town. The deputies mentioned he’d be back soon.”
“Yes, Brianna, Tully, and Sammy are due on today’s train. I hope they enjoyed the coast. Ian and I had a lovely time there last summer.” Maggie fussed with the pouf of a sleeve. “What do you think?”
Delilah smoothed a hand down the front of the patterned silk skirt. The short, cropped jacket of the ensemble featured rich lace dyed to match the teal of the fabric while a satin sash in the same teal tone encircled her waist. The jacket topped a finely-made lace shirtwaist.
“This lace is the finest I’ve ever seen,” she said, gently fingering a flower in the design.
“It’s made locally, by Thane’s sister-in-law. Allie is the most talented lace maker I’ve ever encountered.”
“Her work is flawless,” Delilah said, studying her image in the mirror again. She loved the color of the gown, the way it accented her figure, and, of course, the feathers in the design of the fabric. “I’m afraid to ask if I can afford this.”
Maggie grinned and quoted her a price.
“I’ll take it!” Delilah said without a moment of hesitation. “It truly is a lovely gown.”
“I’m so glad you like it. Do you need gloves, stockings, or anything else today?”
“The gown will be all for today, but you might coerce me into ordering a matching hat.” Delilah gave Maggie a sly grin.
“I’d be happy to talk you into it. Do you have a style in mind?”
Delilah and Maggie spent the next quarter hour discussing hat styles and trim options before Delilah decided what she wanted. After she paid for the gown, Maggie promised to have it delivered to the boardinghouse that afternoon.
“I’m so glad you stopped in, Delilah,” Maggie said, giving her an impetuous hug. “And not because you purchased a gown. It’s been wonderful to meet you.”
Delilah returned her hug then pulled back with a smile. “I’m glad I stopped in, too. I found a beautiful gown and a new friend. I very much look forward to enjoying dinner with you and Mr. MacGregor Monday evening.”
“I hope we’ll see you at church Sunday. Services begin at ten-thirty.” Maggie walked her to the door.
“Edwin and Hattie already invited us, but I assume you all attend the same church.”
Maggie smiled and opened the door. “We do. If I don’t see you before then, we’ll see you Sunday. You’re welcome to sit with us.”
“Thank you. We might just take you up on that. Have a pleasant day, Maggie.”
“You as well, Delilah.” Maggie waved as she stepped out onto the boardwalk and into the bright morning sunshine.
She snapped open her parasol and breathed in the clean, fresh air. The scent of pine blended with the aroma of something sweet wafting from the bakery down a side street. If she hadn’t remained stuffed from her large breakfast, she might have gone to the bakery just to see what tempting treats it offered.
Delilah wandered into the Crystal Palace and perused the selections of dishes and household goods. She left without making a purchase, but was satisfied the store would provide more than adequate quality if any of their dishes, platters, pitchers or bowls were broken in transit.
She stopped at a furniture store where the owner never stopped talking the entire time she was there. In spite of his non-stop blathering, she found several pieces of excellent quality furnishings that would work in their new house, if her father decided not to ship all of their furniture.
After nodding politely to a few women and following them into the stationery store, Delilah made her way to Mr. Miller’s Mercantile. A colorful display of quilts filled one window while another boasted an assortment of garden tools, seed packets, and spring flowers made of crepe paper.
As she stepped inside, the smell of brewing coffee mingled with spices, leather, and tobacco. The large, well-stocked store appeared to be quite popular with shoppers, even on a weekday morning.
Delilah picked up a sturdy woven basket and began perusing the merchandise aisle by aisle. She added tooth powder, lotion, and a box of hairpins to several pieces of muslin toweling. Lingering a few minutes over the bedding options, she looked over the assortment of books and found a one by Frances Hodgson Burnett she’d heard about but not yet read. The book joined the other items in her basket, not because she had an abundance of time to read, but because she looked forward to a quiet summer day when she could rest on the back porch and read to her heart’s content.
Several people smiled at her and a few women offered greetings and introductions. She’d just stepped up to the front counter behind a young, unusually tall couple when the golden-haired woman turned and smiled at her.
“That gown is gorgeous,” the woman said. “I’m Allie Amick, by the way. This is my husband, Ben.”
A handsome curly-haired cowboy turned and offered her a welcoming nod as he doffed his hat. “Pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”
“It’s Miss Delilah Robbins and it’s my pleasure to meet both of you.” Delilah noticed the lace on the woman’s gown and reached out to finger the edge along the sleeve. “I just bought a dress at Mrs. MacGregor’s shop with lace similar to this. The lace maker does amazing work.”
Ben beamed and wrapped a hand around his wife’s waist, pulling her close to his side. “My Allie has a talent for lace making.”
Delilah gaped at the fresh-faced young woman. “You made this lace? The lace in Maggie’s shop?”
Allie nodded, seeming embarrassed. “The women in my family have always made bobbin lace. It’s something I enjoy creating.”
“It’s among the finest I’ve ever seen, Mrs. Amick. Truly, you possess a rare gift.” Delilah assured her.
“Please, call me Allie. You must be new in town. Have you been here long or are you passing through.”
“My father took over the meteorological station. We arrived Monday.”
Ben nodded his head and grinned. “Then you two had your work cut out for you mucking out the messes Sutler left behind.”
“We’ve been busy, for certain. Mr. and Mrs. Greenfield from the boardinghouse have been most helpful, too. We’re staying with them until the house is fit to be inhabited by humans.”
“Oh, you know Edwin and Hattie,” Allie said with a smile. “They took me in when I first came to town, too. Then I married this cowboy and fell in love.”
Delilah held back the urge to correct Allie. Surely she meant she met Ben, fell in love, and then wed.
“I’m glad you married me, even if you didn’t know me from Adam’s off ox,” Ben said, kissing Allie’s cheek. He noticed Delilah’s confused expression and grinned at her again. “Allie came to be a mail-order bride but the dunderheaded fool who sent for her isn’t fit to climb through slime on his yella’ belly let alone marry a fine girl like my sugar. So I was more than happy to come to the rescue and settle my brand on her.”
Allie blushed and gave Ben a private look before she turned back to Delilah. “What he means is that I came as a mail-order bride but the man who sent for me was unsuitable as a husband. When the man tried to force me to wed, the sheriff locked him up long enough for me to marry Ben. He just happened to come by the boardinghouse to deliver a load of pies from Jemma Jordan at the moment I most needed his help. Now, Jemma’s my sister-in-law, and we’re about as happy as anyone can be out on the ranch, especially with a new addition arriving soon.”
Still partially baffled by the circumstances of Ben and Allie’s wedding, Delilah assumed she’d eventually figure it all out, especially how Jemma Jordan was related to them. Maggie had mentioned that name as had Hattie and Edwin. If Delilah kept the stories she’d heard straight, then Jemma must be married to Thane, who was friends with Maggie and Tully, and a brother to… Ah, that was the tie. Thane and Ben were brothers.
“You and Thane Jordan are brothers?” Delilah asked.
Ben grinned and nodded as two youngsters raced down the aisle toward them. A curly-haired little girl who greatly resembled Ben launched herself into his arms when he opened them to her.
“Lilypad and Jackeroo, are you two about ready to go?” Ben asked the children.
“Yep, we are,” the boy said, smiling at Delilah. “I’m Jack Jordan, son of Jemma and Thane Jordan. How do you do?” the boy asked, tipping his head courteously.
“I do quite well, Master Jordan,” Delilah said, tamping down her urge to laugh at the boy’s strange accent. It was a blending of western twang and British tones. “Miss Robbins is my name.”
“Miss Robbins?” the little girl asked from her perch on Ben’s arm. “Like the pretty birdies with the red tummies?”
“Exactly like that,” Delilah said, grinning at the impish child. “Did I hear your name is Lily?”
“Yes, Lillian Jane Jordan.” The little girl executed a move that might have been a curtsy had she not been held in her uncle’s arms. “My mama is gonna get me a baby sister soon.”
“Or brother, Lil. If I get an equal vote, I want a brother. I don’t think we can handle two girls like you,” Jack said, dodging back when Lily reached out to smack him.
“Hey, enough of that,” Ben said, handing Lily to Allie while he paid for their purchases and hefted a heavy box full of supplies. With a wink he handed Jack a paper sack full of penny candy then turned back to Delilah. “It was nice to meet you, Miss Robbins. We’d be pleased if you and your father came out to the ranch for a visit sometime. Just head south of town and you can’t miss us. It’s about an hour’s ride to the ranch.”
“We may just take you up on that invitation, once we get settled into our house.” Delilah smiled at the children then at Allie. “Have a lovely drive home.”
“Thank you, Miss Robbins. We will,” Allie said, moving toward the door. Jack pulled it open and held it. Allie glanced back at her. “Enjoy your new gown from Maggie’s shop.”
“Oh, I fully intend to, and please, call me Delilah.”
Allie nodded once before she carried Lily outside followed by Ben and Jack.
“Did I hear you say your father is Ross Robbins, the new meteorologist?” the man behind the counter asked as Delilah set the basket on the counter.
“That is correct, sir. Are you Mr. Miller?” she inquired, glancing at a display of assorted candies behind a glass-fronted case.
“Frank Miller at your service,” he said, tipping his head to her. “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Robbins. Your father has been in a few times to purchase supplies.”
“Yes, he mentioned that he’d met you. I’ve heard nothing but praises for your store. After browsing your selections, I can see why everyone says it is the place to shop in town.” Delilah watched the middle-aged man’s chest puff out with pride.
“Thank you, Miss Robbins. I try to run a clean, well-stocked store with fair prices. If there is something you want I don’t carry, I can order it and have it shipped here, generally within a week.”
“Gracious! That is prompt service. I’ll keep that in mind, sir.”
Frank rang up her purchases. “Is there anything else I can help you with today?”
Delilah nodded and tapped on the glass case. “I’d like a penny’s worth of peppermint drops and another of sassafras sticks.”
Frank filled sacks with the candy and set them inside the basket. “Did you want to purchase the basket or would you prefer a box?”
“I’d like to keep the basket.”
He nodded and gave her the total.
She handed him the appropriate funds then picked up the basket. “Thank you, Mr. Miller. I’m sure my father or I will be in soon.”
“Give Ross my greetings, and come in anytime, Miss Robbins.”
“I will, sir. Thank you.”
She turned to leave and smacked into a solid chest. A shiny badge nearly brushed against her nose. Delilah leaned back, looking up into an all-too-handsome face and eyes the color of a deep, bright blue crystal she’d once seen at a museum in Washington, D.C. The hue, so vibrant and intense, almost didn’t seem real.
“Howdy, Miss Robbins. How does this day find you?” Deputy Seth Harter asked with an engaging grin that showed off his perfect teeth.
“It finds me quite well, Deputy Harter. My apologies for bumping into you. It was quite unintentional, I assure you.”
Seth chuckled. “I reckoned that already. Are you heading back to the boardinghouse?” he asked as she moved toward the door. He pushed it open and held it for her.
She brushed against his chest as she made her way past him outside. The proximity to it, to muscles she knew were solid and strong from colliding with them a moment ago, left her unsettled.
The manner of these western men, relaxed and carefree, was nothing like what she expected. Accustomed to men who abided by every one of society’s many rules, with the exception of her father, the men of Baker City had been courteous and kind, yet she sensed a restless wildness in them that she’d never before witnessed among the cultured set from home.
Perhaps it was just something in the deputies and men like Ben Amick.
Delilah glanced up at Seth as he escorted her down the boardwalk. “I didn’t mean to interrupt whatever you were doing, Deputy Harter. Please don’t feel the need to accompany me if you have pressing matters of which you must attend.”
He grinned again and took a step closer to her. “I can’t think of a thing more important than strolling down the boardwalk with a pretty girl on a spring day.”
Flattered by his comment, she shifted her basket from her right hand to her left and meandered along the boardwalk with the deputy.
“Are you settling in okay?” Seth asked as they stood at the corner and waited for a wagon to pass before they crossed the street.
“We just finished cleaning the house yesterday. Papa thinks it’s best to wait until Monday to move in so the paint fumes have time to dissipate and the wax on the floor has time to dry.”
“That’s a sound plan,” Seth said, cupping her elbow and steering her around a pile of road apples in the middle of the street. He released her as soon as they reached the boardwalk on the other side. “You know, Miss Robbins, it would please me to no end if you’d accompany me to see the Macbeth play next week. Would you consider it?”
“I would consider it, Deputy Harter. In fact, I’m quite honored by the invitation. If you are sure you’d like to attend, I’d be happy to accompany you.” Delilah loved theatrical performances and assumed it might be a while before another similar event came to town. Her father had mentioned getting tickets, but she knew he’d rather do anything than spend an hour or two watching a play or attending the opera.
“Well, that’s great news, Miss Robbins. If you don’t object to the idea, I’d like to take you to dinner at the hotel before the play.”
“That sounds quite lovely, Deputy Harter. Thank you. I would be agreeable to your invitation.”
The deputy looked inordinately pleased as he smiled at her. “Good. That’s good, Miss Robbins. I wonder if you…”
A shout down the street and the sight of two miners engaged in fisticuffs drew a sigh from Seth. “I better go bust up their fun before someone gets hurt. Will you be fine walking back to the boardinghouse?”
“I certainly will, Deputy Harter. Thank you.”
Seth tipped his hat to her then raced down the street, hollering at the men to break up their fight before he tossed them in the hoosegow.
Delilah watched him run with ease toward the fighting men, admiring his muscular form. An evening with the good-looking deputy should prove interesting.